Halestorm: Hard Rock, Easy Listening

Halestorm is an American rock band consisting of vocalist and guitarist Elizabeth “Lzzy” Hale, drummer Arejay Hale, lead guitarist Joe Hottinger, and bass guitarist Josh Smith. They signed with Atlantic Records on June 28, 2005. In 2009 they released their first self-titled album with the song “I Get Off” as the the album’s lead single.

In April of 2012, they released their second album “The Strange Case Of…” They are currently on tour performing songs from both of their albums such as “Mz. Hyde,” “Love Bites (So Do I),” “Love/Hate Heartbreak,” “Familiar Taste of Poison,” and “Here’s To Us.”

Don’t let Lzzy’s small stature fool you, that girl has one large voice and the band sounds just as good live as on their CD. They performed in Portland on Sept. 5. The turn-out was spectacular and they really got the crowd moving. There was no delay as they came right out opening the show with “Love Bites (So Do I)” and getting everyone pumped up. Arejay even had a drum solo that lasted what felt like forever, but was entertaining the whole way through, especially when he brought out his giant drumsticks and was able to perform just as well with them. They ended the show with their calming, inspirational song “Here’s To Us,” a little something to get the crowd’s energy down before all dispersing into the streets.

Both albums showcase their rock music as well as the slower songs which shows that they aren’t just loud and screaming and there is some real talent there. In December of 2012, “Love Bites (So Do I)” was nominated for a Grammy in the Best Hard Rock/Metal category and in February of 2013, they won the award, making Halestorm the first female-fronted band to not only be nominated for a Grammy in that category, but win it as well.

This band is amazing. If you’re in the mood to get pumped up, scream, or have someone put those feelings on paper, listen to this band. They’ve got the skills and the sound and overall I’m obsessed and hooked on them and haven’t found one person yet who hasn’t liked at least one of their songs. The other thing is that some are relatable or just catchy. “Here’s To Us” really show cases that, yeah, life gets tough, but you have to keep your head high and sometimes tell people to back off. “Freak Like Me” is related because we’re all a little weird and the song, although loud and definitely hard rock, tells you that you aren’t alone and that we’re all a little crazy. Everything from their slower to faster and their song “I Get Off” which really goes over the top, I and many others I know can’t stop listening to.